ADULT STS LESSON 185 DECISIONS IN ADVERSITIES

Memory Verse:
“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons” (Ruth 1:1).

Text: Ruth 1:1–22

The book of Ruth is historical. Written after the reign of the judges (Othniel to Samuel) in Israel, it zooms in on a family — their quest for greener pasture, relocation to a strange land, misfortune, return of the remnant to their home country, and restoration to divine favour.

It is encouraging to note that God took interest in this family caught in the eyes of the storm, the marriages of their children, the care and rehabilitation of their widows who trusted in His mercy and benevolence.

We must, therefore, be careful the way we live and take decisions to be sure they are in line with God’s will to avoid plunging our families into untold hardship and misfortune.

However, we discover from the Scriptures that God sometimes permits negative circumstances in our lives to bring about His purpose and programme. Famine occurred at different times and affected the people of God in diverse ways. Abraham, Isaac, Elijah, the children of Israel and others experienced famine at various times of their lives (Genesis 12:10; 26:1; 41:56,57). But they survived.

CONSEQUENCE OF ELIMELECH’S DECISION TO RELOCATE

(Ruth 1:1–5; Numbers 22:1–7; 25:1,9; Judges 11:17; Proverbs 3:11,12; Romans 8:5–8; Numbers 15:31; Job 5:3,4; 20:4–8; Psalm 73:25–27; 139:7–10; Proverbs 14:12)

“Now it came to pass… that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons” (Ruth 1:1).

Faced with the challenge of a depleting barn, lean purse and a bleak future, Elimelech decided to emigrate to another country. But the journey to Moab was either ill-advised or not well thought out. We are not told he sought God’s guidance.

While Abraham nearly lost his wife when he made a similar mistake, God had to intercept Isaac from going to Egypt during another incident of famine (Genesis 12:10–20; 26:1–6). By divine arrangement, Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt to preserve the lives of his father and siblings from a seven-year famine. In this instance, Jacob’s migration to Egypt was the will of God (Genesis 46:2–4).

The point is, believers need to trust God wholeheartedly to guide them in times of famine or adversity. Moab was not a wise choice of destination for a true Israelite. Despite being descendants of Lot, the Moabites were proven enemies of the Hebrews. They were needlessly hostile to Israel in the wilderness and resorted to diabolical means and seduction to overcome Israel.

Following their seduction, twenty-four thousand Israelites died in the wilderness. Besides being haughty and proud, they were welded to Chemosh, an idol whose worship pattern was similar to Baal. So, residing in Moab was risking exposure to idolatry and the consequent divine displeasure (Genesis 19:33,36,37; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 23:3–5).

Elimelech’s escape option was neither reasonable nor profitable. The relocation showed that he focused more on the physical than the spiritual or eternal. Thus, he missed out on God’s purpose for the situation and led his family to serious sorrow and regret.

It is wise for a believer to prayerfully consider all relevant factors before taking a decision; spiritual consideration should take precedence over mundane benefits. Though Elimelech and Naomi were righteous, God expected a national repentance from the people. The righteous, no doubt, will suffer when God’s rod of correction comes upon their community.

It is a change of heart that brings pardon, restoration and blessings (Proverbs 28:13; Micah 6:8,9). Adversity is not a proof of God’s weakness or wickedness. Through His guidance, however, it can become an opportunity for promotion and enlargement for the righteous (Genesis 26:1–3,12–14; Romans 8:28).

Abiding in the Lord and in the place He has appointed will enable us to claim His numerous promises of protection, preservation and provision (1 Kings 8:37–40; Job 5:20–27; Psalms 33:18,19; 37:18,19).

Attempt to escape famine resulted in three funerals in a foreign land and left the family with three widows. The event portrayed Elimelech as hasty in his decision and misled his family away from God’s positive influence. Actually, the famine was not the real cause of his woes; after all, the destiny of those who did not migrate and the turn of events in Bethlehemjudah proved that God was in control of the situation.

That Elimelech descended from a godly parentage is evident in the meaning of his name – my God is king. It was meant to dedicate him to a lifelong submission to the Almighty and to serve as a buffer of confidence in times of despondency. But he did not live up to the name as he acted without seeking divine approval.

His decision later led his children into marrying Moabitish women, a choice that was contrary to God’s commandment (1 Kings 11:1,2). After the death of her husband, Naomi could have headed home with her children or even directed them to marry from their tribe in Bethlehemjudah. But she stayed at Moab.

“And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband” (Ruth 1:5).

Within ten years, Naomi lost her husband and two sons. She became a widow together with her sons’ wives. She was bereft of life’s joy. Solitude set in as there was no acquaintance, helper or breadwinner for the aging woman.

The calamity, bereavement and solitude taught her to do the needful — return home to meet the people of God. Believers who notice the devastating effects of their wrong decisions must retrace their steps to the Lord who is able to help them recover their losses.

COMMENDABLE ACTION AFTER A CHEERY NEWS

(Ruth 1:6,7; Exodus 4:19,20; Genesis 42:1,2; Luke 2:10–15; Mark 16:15–18,20)

After the death of her husband and two sons in Moab, Naomi became desolate and burdened with the care of two younger widows in a foreign land. Her expectation of a better life in Moab turned into a bitter experience. But she heard that God had visited His people and the famine had ended.

“Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread” (Ruth 1:6).

Although she was low in spirit, she still held on to God. Here, we learn that adversity never lasts forever. Whatever negative circumstances we may be compelled to pass through will certainly end because God will not forsake His people who trust Him.

The news of God’s good dealings got to Naomi in Moab. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25).

The gospel is the good news for the world, and believers should ensure it gets to all people. They must carry the message of hope to sinners urgently before it is too late. The likes of Naomi who have left the people of God to a far country need to be told of the goodness of the Lord to His people.

Therefore, we need to be urgent on this task before backsliders die in their condition. We have the mandate from Christ to tell our friends, neighbours and acquaintances that all things are now ready (Luke 14:17). The night is far spent and we cannot afford to delay any further.

CHALLENGES AND COMMENDATION OF CONSECRATION

(Ruth 1:8–18; Joshua 24:15; Luke 9:57,58; John 6:67; Luke 14:26–33; 2 Kings 2:2)

Naomi’s promptness in her effort to return to her home country is worthy of note. Although she commenced the journey in company of her daughters-in-law — Orpah and Ruth — she later urged them to return to Moab, their home country.

She appreciated, prayed and encouraged them to return to Moab, start a new family and feel secure with their people. When this offer could not deter them, she spoke of a bleak future they were likely to have concerning marriage. She was not economical with the truth concerning the cost of following her to Bethlehem.

Naomi’s action may be strange to some believers who expected her to encourage her daughters-in-law to follow her to Israel where they could come to the knowledge of the true God. But it is likely that Naomi wanted them to prove their sincerity to follow her after counting the cost.

However, believers are to be careful not to hinder or discourage people who want to join them on the way to heaven. At the same time, they must make prospective disciples know that following Jesus comes at a cost. Christ Himself taught the importance of counting the cost before embarking on discipleship.

Surely, the need for personal conviction in following Christ cannot be overstressed. Orpah resisted the initial pressure to return to Moab but could not sustain the decision. Her professed love for her mother-in-law and her people could not stand the test of time.

She made a quick decision to follow Naomi but was equally quick in turning back at the slightest hint of the challenges ahead. Some people hastily profess their love for the Lord but when confronted with the challenges of life, they rescind their decision.

They are like the people in Christ’s parable of the sower and the seed (Matthew 13:19–21). Orpah lacked the grace to persevere to the end. She was also an example of a backslider returning to her gods because of the challenge or cost of walking with God.

Ruth had similar challenges as Orpah. She was faced with an idolatrous background and a bleak future. After all, God had said that a Moabite should not come into the congregation of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:3), yet she prevailed over these challenges.

She acted like a true heroine of faith that saw the invisible God. Her action was consequent on the strong affection and attachment she had towards Naomi and the leaning of her heart towards the God of Israel.

Believers who want to remain faithful to the end must be firm in their decision to serve God, keep godly associations and focus their attention on heaven in spite of life’s challenges. They are to keep looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith while running the race.

Meanwhile, the cordial relationship that existed between Naomi and her daughters-in-law is worthy of mention. Orpah and Ruth’s good affection for their mother-in-law was enough proof that Naomi was very kind to them and had won their love.

This should serve as an example to contemporary Christian mothers-in-law who are always at loggerheads with their daughters-in-law or sons-in-law. They must strive to follow peace with everyone and win them to the Lord.

COUNTING LOSSES AFTER COMPROMISE

(Ruth 1:19–22; Psalm 57:7; Acts 11:23; Exodus 15:13; Proverbs 21:6; 13:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Despite the challenges that Naomi and Ruth had on the way, their resolve strengthened them until they arrived Bethlehem. When they got to Bethlehem, Naomi requested that she be called Mara, meaning bitterness.

She said that her calamities were caused by God and accused Him of dealing bitterly with her, emptying her of everything and afflicting her. But Naomi was wrong in blaming God for her woes. Her family only reaped the negative consequences of their decision. Therefore, she should not have charged God foolishly for what befell them.

People should learn not to charge God foolishly when they are faced with the consequences of their wrong decisions in life. As believers, God will certainly discipline us when we err, but such chastisements are for our own good.

The right attitude would be to examine ourselves and repent of any wrongdoing where necessary. At such a time, our prayer should be:
“That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more” (Job 34:32).

Despite her physical losses, Naomi had reasons to give thanks to God. Her life was preserved, and the timing of her return coincided with the time of harvest when there would be adequate provisions for her. Above all, Ruth came with her.

Bringing a heathen woman, who would have perished in idolatry, to serve the living God was more than all Naomi had lost. She reckoned that she came back empty because she could not count her blessings well.

Like most people, she placed more value on physical gains than the spiritual. Unknown to her, she had been instrumental in snatching out of Moab a woman who would later become a great ancestor of the Messiah. Ruth turned out to be a great asset, not only to Naomi but to the world.

Questions for Review

1. Why was it wrong for Elimelech to relocate to Moab?

2. What are the implications of Elimelech’s relocation without seeking divine guidance?

3. Why is Elimelech’s story instructive for contemporary believers?

4. In disseminating the news of God’s goodness, what are the essential qualities we should possess?

5. What do believers learn from Orpah’s return to Moab?

6. Itemise Ruth’s resolve in her statement to Naomi’s urge.

7. Point out reasons Naomi was wrong in blaming God for her woes.